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November 4, 2014

Make Your Choices for the 2015 Blind Spots Series!

One of my main reasons for starting this blog was to fill in the gaps in my film knowledge. The marathon structure allowed me to dig into zones that I’d hesitated to touch in the past. While the site’s format has evolved during the past few years, that goal is still part of the overall mindset. I’ve found the monthly Blind Spots Series helpful in ensuring that I’m catching up on movies that deserve my attention. I’ve participated in this project for the past three years and taken a different route each time. Last year, I stole Ryan McNeil’s idea to have the readers select their choices from a predetermined list. It worked out really well last time, so I'm doing the same thing again for 2015. While his options this year were extensive, I’ve restricted mine to 50 films. Without choosing the exact selections myself, this approach allows me to shape the general theme of the list.

I’ve spent considerable time recently pondering the goals of this site and what I’d like it to be in the future. This process has impacted the options developed for this series. For the most part, I’ve chosen movies that excite me and aren’t included to check a box. Some are genre films that would make few people’s lists of their favorite movies of all time. I don’t think the Action Jackson and Commando will be making the Sight & Sound list in 2022. It’s a diverse group from around the world that should lead to an entertaining ride each month. There are classics in the mix like Man with a Movie Camera, Patton, and The Great Dictator. None of these sound like work, which is the key. I’ve also incorporated genres where I’m still behind like musicals, horror, and animated films.

The voting will remain open for several weeks to allow you enough time to make your choices. I’ll announce the 2015 list in late November and start preparing for another strong year of movie watching. It won’t be easy for the new crop of films to live up to the 2014 selections. You should also be sure to check out Ryan’s monthly compilations of bloggers’ posts in the ongoing series at The Matinee. The participation continues to increase, and it’s interesting to note how differently each writer approaches their blind spots. Thanks in advance for your assistance in this venture!

You only had 10 movies on your list that I've both seen and can recommend:First BloodThe Towering InfernoThe Nightmare Before CristmasThe Dirty DozenThe HostMidnight RunThe Green MileThe Curious Case of Benjamin ButtonDie Hard 2Commando

So I added these 2 as well, because I haven't seen them, but they're on my Blind Spot list for next year too: SuspiriaPoltergeist

Hi Dan! There are so many I haven't seen either from your list, but hey you should watch Following if you've seen a lot of Nolan's films. It shows his intriguing storytelling style even w/ a shoestring budget.

Here are my picks - I've only seen just over half of your list, but that still gave me some good stuff to choose from!

The Man with a Movie CameraThe Nightmare Before ChristmasSuspiriaOnce Upon a Time in ChinaMemories of Murder (this is loads better than The Host, though less well-known over here)The Great DictatorThe Haunting (if you haven't seen The Innocents, I'd recommend that instead, for atmospheric horror)Kiss Me Deadly (essential late noir!)PlaytimeThe KillersWait Until DarkZ (criminally underseen political thriller that still thrills)

It breaks my heart that you haven't seen Pink Floyd's The Wall OR The Outlaw Josey Wales. BREAKS it. So, along with those films, I've listed below (in order of preference) my 12 votes for your Blind Spot series.

1. Pink Floyd's The Wall2. The Outlaw Josey Wales3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Fun Fact: The first BluRay I bought was the Criterion Collection release of this film)4. Dune5. THX 11386. The Killers (after watching this version, you gotta watch the 1964 version with Lee Marvin, Angie Dickinson, John Cassavettes, and Ronald Reagan. It's a favorite of mine. This version is sold too.)7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles8. Suspiria (I'm sure Lindsay will also recommend this one)9. The Green Mile10. Ip Man11. Infernal Affairs 2 (I haven't seen this yet, but I really really enjoyed the first one. So any continuation of that story, I'm all for it.)12. The Dirty Dozen

I'm sure you'll do the right thing and at least watch The Wall & The Outlaw Josey Wales ;)

Joel, I do know the big twist from The Crying Game. I've heard that it's a good film beyond the twist, and I've liked some of Neil Jordan's other films. I don't think it's going to make the cut, though.

My strongest recommendations are for Pink Floyd The Wall and The Nightmare before Christmas. Also I'd vouch for Suspiria.The story is silly, but so what; it looks gorgeous and the soundtrack is haunting.

Saturday Night Fever, The Green Mile, Rambo First Blood and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button are other movies I'd check out if I were you.